Sunday, February 26, 2017

Here's a new good song: "Chained To The Rhythm" by Katy Perry f/ Skip Marley. In the '90s, my taste was very mainstream. In the '00s, I didn't find much of anything I liked, but to the extent I did, it was generally mainstream. In the '10s, though, my taste has become more obscure, probably because it's easier to find non-mainstream music than it ever has been. But as mainstream acts go, Katy Perry is among my favorite. Her output is consistently solid, this included. I also appreciate the attempt to go at least somewhat deeper, lyrically, than what is typically on the radio. Great throwback production and vocal performance here as well. The synth on pre-chorus ("So put your rose-colored glasses on ...") is especially delicious. Enjoy!

Here's a new good song: "Collateral Damange" by Levv. This act is tremendous; they had my 6th favorite song of 2015, and dare I say I already think "Collateral Damage" is perhaps even better. Just jaw-droppingly beautiful, and goes in a dance direction midway that's a risk but works. Certainly will end up in a good spot on my 2017 year-end list, I'm sure of it. Enjoy!

Here's a new good song: "Ain't Love Strange" by Stanaj. This is definitely a slow-cooker; it's been on my playlist for a couple months but only recently did I start to really get into it. It's an earnest R&B waltz that asks an awfully good question. He's also sporting quite a sexy physique beneath this dorky-hipster exterior. See for yourself. Enjoy!

Friday, February 3, 2017

Here's a new good song: "Paris" by The Chainsmokers. This duo had tremendous breakout success in 2016, the best of their output being "Closer" f/ Halsey and "Roses" f/ Rozes, singles that landed at No. 29 and 52 on my year-end tally respectively. They also had a huge hit with "Don't Let Me Down" f/ Daya, but I don't happen to care for that one. "Paris" builds to a climax very similar to M83's "Midnight City," a song I love. I drew this comparison completely independently, Googled it just now and discovered others have noticed the same thing. In fact here's a mash-up of the two tracks. "Paris" features an un-credited vocal by Emily Warren. It's a good effort. Enjoy!

Here's a new good song: "City Of Stars" by Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone. This is, of course, from the highly lauded film La La Land. The tune is repeated a few times, including a scene with Gosling and Stone. This version, available on the soundtrack, apparently was recorded on set as opposed to in a studio. It's very catchy and moving, and I've enjoyed having it on my playlist to remind me of the movie, which was truly a treasure. Enjoy!

Here's a new good song: "Issues" by Julia Michaels. The background string plucks are cute, and the melody is pretty good. This is Michaels' first release after years of success writing songs for A-list acts like Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson and Selena Gomez. Enjoy!